About this Event
Music Educator Professional Development Seminar, Pasadena 2026
Date: Jan 17–18 2026
Location: Pasadena Civic Auditorium
Calling all music educators! Join the Barbershop Harmony Society for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration at the Music Educator Professional Development Seminar in Pasadena with special guest clinician Deke Sharon. This in-person event will feature workshops, presentations, and discussions led by seasoned music educator specialized Debbie Cleveland (lead of SAI quartet champions Dynasty, The Buzz, and Showtime) as she shows you how to bring this incredible artform to your classroom. Up to 18 hours of professional development hours available. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow educators and take your teaching to the next level!
*meals on your own. Saturday morning breakfast available for additional fee.
Friday Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Check-in
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
Workshop: Integrating Barbershop Into the Choral Classroom
Host: Debbie Cleveland
Info: This class discusses the foundations of barbershop for music educators and provides strategies for mixed and treble ensembles, rehearsal techniques, and curricular connections.
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Special Presentation: Spanish Barbershop Songs
Host: Marshall Voit
Info: Barbershop fits naturally with Spanish-speakers. Join Marshall as he shows how to pick just the right songs for your students.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Youth Chorus Festival
Host: Barbershop Harmony Society
Info: Observe live performances of the 2026 International Jr. and Seniors Chorus Festival. Hosted by Deke Sharon.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Deke Sharon Masterclass
Host: Deke Sharon
Info: Featured clinician—and godfather of the modern a cappella movement—Deke Sharon leads a reading session, coaches two ensembles, and engages the audience with techniques for getting students excited about a cappella singing.
🕑: 07:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday Night Show
Host: Barbershop Harmony Society
Info: A variety show featuring the best in barbershop and a cappella!
Saturday agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Music Educator Breakfast
Host: Barbershop Harmony Society
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Start With a Tag
Host: Debbie Cleveland
Info: Using the Tag Book for Music Educators, Debbie will show how easy tags are to get your students singing and learn musicianship principles to instantly apply to other genres.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Choral vs. Contemporary Vocal Technique: What Are the Differences?
Host: Steve Scott
Info: Vocal pedagogue Steve Scott will share the physiological and acoustic differences between the two techniques for stylistic barbershop and modern a cappella singing.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
The Heart of Vocal Harmony
Host: Deke Sharon
Info: Drawing on psychology and theatre, Deke teaches how to get ensembles of all ages to perform with genuine, unified emotion.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Closing Session
Host: Steve Scott
Info: Wrap up, Next steps, FAQs, and challenges
🕑: 07:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday Evening Show
Host: Westminster Chorus
Info: Featuring the best in barbershop!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E Green St, Pasadena, United States
USD 21.79 to USD 63.38
